When I'm with people, I tend to be on the happy side.  I love to laugh, and it makes me very happy to make others laugh and smile and generally feel good about being around me.  For the most part, I am like this when I am alone, but at times, I begin to think too much about what is going on, or not going on if you catch my drift, and I can let circumstances that I can't control get me down.  When Mike Saunders first came up with the idea of writing a post every Thursday for something he is thankful for, I immediately jumped on the bandwagon.  This is a way to lift myself out of my own troubles and the troubles of my friends and loved ones and count some of the things I am grateful for.  Some Thursdays the inspiration is right in front of me.  Other Thursdays, I really have to dig deep inside myself, past the little nugget of melancholy that may be blocking my thoughts due to circumstances, and get to the heart of how to be happy. 

Each and every time I write a Thankful Thursday post, I am immediately transformed from the person who just minutes before was nursing my little nugget of melancholy, to a laughing, and much happier person, who remembers how to count her blessing instead of her shortcomings and who has friends, here on Active Rain and in person, who raise me up and make me face reality.  That while my business is way off, my waistline 8 pounds too wide, my age creeping closer to 50 every single day, I have way more to be thankful for than to whine about.

So, to lift myself up and out of this melancholy mood I find myself in this morning, here is my list for today.

• I am still here!  I may be pushing 50, I may be 8 pounds more than I need to be, I may be worrying everyday about money and this market, but I am still here.  I was at a gas station once and a man was pumping gas next to me.  I said hi, how are you.  He said, "well, I'm on this side of the dirt, so I guess I'm just fine"!  Max and I laughed at this but you know, he's right.  We are on this side of the dirt, so let's make the best of it!
  
• I have an elderly friend who is nearing the end of her life, suffering from terminal bone cancer.  She is in loads of pain everyday.  I see her a few times a week and I can still make her laugh.  She has a wonderful laugh and I love to hear her.  Today, I am thankful that I met her last year, I am thankful God put me in the right place at the right time or I would have missed out on learning from her and about her and being able to help in some little way, make the end of her life a little bit better with laughter.
• My little dog.  I know, I know... everyone must be really sick of hearing about JJ, the wonder dog, but it is indeed the little things.  No matter what I am doing or feeling, this little guy, with his bright brown eyes, messy hair and black button nose can make me smile.  All I have to do is look at his rumpled little head and I'm happy.  People who do not love dogs won't understand this, but people who do love dogs will get it... I love to hug JJ and his doggy smell is like intravenous feel good medicine.  It calms my heart, slows my breathing and brings me back to the present.
• Mike is coming home tomorrow!  Yes, my almost 20 year old freshman is coming home for the summer.  I'm not sure if I'm ready for the mess, the noise, the fighting with Max, but I am ready to see this young man who's grown and changed over the last school year.   I pick him up tomorrow!
• Our pool is opening next week!  Yes, it will be another drain on our finances, but I'll be able to look out of my kitchen window and see shimmering water next week.  My pool gets a lot of use and we usually get a lot of company, and I will enjoy laughing and talking with friends as we watch the kids swim, splash and jump in the pool!
• I am thankful for ACAC, the fitness club I go to for the clean and friendly atmosphere, for Jeanette Mills in membership and her smiling face, for Sarah Jurist, my favorite Zumba instructor and friend, and for all of the friends I've made there that make working out and staying healthy so much more fun.
• Not to belabor the point, but I am thankful for Active Rain.  I couldn't begin to name all of the friends that I've made here and I won't start (Gary) because (JL) I'm afraid (Richard W.) I'll (Rich I.) forget (Paul S. and his dimples) someone (Robby) and hurt (C) someones (Mel) feelings (Neal).   Rather, instead of (Elaine) naming (Mary D.) everyone (Tammy), and (Gail M.) risking (Amanda) leaving (Sandra and Dan) someone (TLW) out, (Paddy) I will (Lisa H) simply (Suzanne) say (SHELDON!!) a great (Russell) big (Cameron) thank you (Jesse and Kathy) to the (Janice) powers that (Liz M.) be for (Mara) all of (Sharon - all of you) the great (Caren) friends I've (Ann) made and (Alan) great place( Jason and Jen) they've created here.  I'm sure I forgot a few, and I hope (Chris) they'll (Kate) forgive me!
• I am grateful for my current clients, both pending closings and those looking or waiting to sell.   Things are turning around here, slowly, but turning, and I am grateful for that.
• My son Max, who is growing into such a fine young man.  Max is good hearted and kind and smart and funny and I really enjoy him. 
  
• My mom, as aways, and forever.

Well, there you have it.  My top 10, not in any special order.  And I feel better already!  Carpe Diem!